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As China emerges from a century of isolation, her mysterious past is opening up to travelers. Experience China’s many treasures, before the final flooding of the Three Gorges and as China prepares for the summer 2008 Olympics. On this journey, you’ll start in Beijing, cruise the Yangtze River, venture to Xi’an and Guilin, and conclude in Shanghai.
Days 1 and 2 Los Angeles/Beijing, China
Depart on your flight from Los Angeles. The next day, arrive in Beijing late in the evening and transfer to your hotel.
Kerry Centre Shangri-La
Day 3 Beijing
Spend the morning in the colorful Pan Jia Yuan market. After lunch, visit historic Tiananmen Square, the political center of China. Enjoy a welcome dinner banquet.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 Beijing
Explore the immense halls and broad courtyards of the Forbidden City, home of the Ming and Qing dynasty emperors. Continue on to the Palace of Peace and Longevity, a less visited part of the Forbidden City. After lunch at the famous Fangshan Imperial Restaurant, explore the hidden alleyways of old Beijing to learn about the structure of a traditional urban Chinese home.
(B,L)
Day 5 Beijing
Visit the valley of the 13 Ming tombs to view the treasures buried with one of the Ming emperors. Climb the Great Wall at Mutianyu, and follow its path as it snakes over scenic mountains and ravines.
(B,L,D)
Day 6 Beijing/Yichang
Fly to Yichang. Visit a village newly built to house people displaced by the Three Gorges Dam Project, then board the M.S. East King, a deluxe, modern cruiser known as one of the best on the river.
(B,L,D)
Days 7, 8, and 9 Yangtze River
Begin your three-day journey up the Yangtze River with a stop by the world’s largest hydroelectric dam at the mouth of the Three Gorges. Then sail the newly created reservoir through the Three Gorges, still the most dramatic and spectacular section of the river. By smaller boats, drift down a beautiful tributary and visit Shibaozhai, a 17th-century pagoda built clinging to the side of the cliffs overlooking the river.
(B,L,D)
Day 10 Chongqing/Xi'an
This morning, disembark in Chongqing and visit the Chongqing Zoo to see China’s most famous animal, the panda. Stop at a World War II museum before flying to Xi'an.
Hyatt Regency
(B,L,D)
Day 11 Xi'an
In the company of a local archaeologist, enjoy special access to perhaps the greatest archaeological find of the 20th century: the army of terra-cotta warriors. These life-size warriors and their horses stand guard at the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. In the afternoon, visit the Great Mosque, in the heart of Xi'an’s bustling Muslim quarter. Tonight, enjoy steamed dumplings, a specialty of Xi'an, at a traditional banquet.
(B,L,D)
Day 12 Xi'an
Tour the Shaanxi History Museum, a Tang-style complex that showcases the province’s earliest cultures. This afternoon is free to explore one of Xi'an's colorful markets on your own or to walk the restored city wall.
(B,L)
Day 13 Guilin
Fly to magical Guilin, where the wind and rain have created strange and wonderful karst landscapes, with gumdrop mountains and fantastic caves. Climb Fubo Hill for a panoramic view of Guilin and its stunning surroundings.
Sheraton Guilin
(B,L)
Day 14 Guilin/Shanghai
Cruise down the Li River and marvel at the breathtaking landscape. Disembark in Yangshuo, a small riverside town of bamboo groves and bizarre peaks, and explore its bustling market. Visit a local university to meet with students studying English. Fly to Shanghai.
Garden Hotel
(B,L,D)
Day 15 Shanghai
Explore the Shanghai Museum, China’s premier museum displaying some of the finest traditional Chinese arts. Continue on to the Urban Planning Exhibition to learn about the massive physical changes Shanghai is undergoing. Then visit Yu Yuan, one of China’s most famous gardens.
(B,L)
Day 16 Shanghai
Witness the revival of Buddhism in China on a visit to Longhua Temple. After a free afternoon to explore Shanghai on your own, enjoy a reception at the Peace Hotel overlooking the Huangpu River, followed by a farewell dinner back at the Garden Hotel.
(B,D)
Day 17 Shanghai/Los Angeles
Depart Shanghai this morning on the return flight to Los Angeles.
(B)
Hong Kong
October 27-30; November 3-6, 2005; June 1-4; October 26-29; November 2-5, 2006
The post-trip extension to Hong Kong includes the flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong, an island tour, a walking tour of the Central District, and a half-day excursion to picturesque Cheung Chau Island. Stay three nights at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel. Call for a detailed itinerary.
The M.S. East King, our home for the three-day Yangtze journey is a modern river cruiser with a capacity of 176 passengers. One of the few five-star ships on the Yangtze, the East King boasts an efficient, well-trained staff; excellent food; and superior guides. Spacious cabins feature private bathrooms and large exterior windows, and all are identical. Amenities include a sundeck, covered outdoor seating, gym, business center, clinic, beauty salon, and lounge.
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